LAHORE:The Punjab government is fully committed to translating CM Punjab’s vision into practical relief for the general public by ensuring quality food items at fair prices and strict action against profiteering and market manipulation will continue without discrimination. Special Assistant to the CM (SACM) for Food Safety and Consumer Protection Salma Butt said this on Thursday.
She said the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department is ensuring the availability of quality essential commodities at affordable and public-friendly prices through an effective price control mechanism and continuous market surveillance. The enforcement teams are actively monitoring markets across the province to protect consumers from profiteering.
She said the department’s latest market assessment shows that despite fluctuations in international commodity prices and increasing input costs, prices of essential food items in Punjab have largely remained stable due to timely government intervention and strict enforcement.
During the last week alone, Price Control Magistrates conducted 484,859 inspections, exceeding the provincial target by achieving 108 percent of the inspection target. Enforcement teams detected 23,744 overcharging violations, imposed fines exceeding Rs15.36 million, registered 46 FIRs, arrested 968 violators and sealed 693 business premises.
The report further revealed that although nearly 85 percent of the raw material used in vegetable ghee is imported and international palm oil prices have witnessed an upward trend, the Punjab govt has maintained effective market oversight to minimise the impact on consumers.
The average retail price of ghee in Punjab remains around Rs521 per kilogram, while economical brands continue to be available at significantly lower prices, ensuring affordable options for consumers across different income groups.
Similarly, the average retail price of chicken meat in Punjab stands at Rs445 per kilogram, despite increasing farm gate and production costs. Continuous monitoring is helping maintain uninterrupted supply and prevent unjustified price hikes.
Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khursheed said the department is maintaining a data-driven monitoring system to ensure transparency, efficient market surveillance and timely enforcement. She directed all field formations to continue regular inspections, strengthen compliance with notified prices and ensure uninterrupted availability of quality food commodities throughout Punjab.
